Greek-born artist Angeliki Psaila aka Leena Punks has been making waves in the electronic music scene, captivating audiences with her unique blend of genres and euphoric, high-energy sets. We caught up with Leena to talk through her creative process, favourite pastimes and career milestones to date.
Based in London, Leena has become known for her distinctive sound which merges elements of house, trance and breaks. From spinning tracks at major festivals like Creamfields and Tomorrowland to producing innovative, genre-bending music catching the ears of esteemed imprints like Anjunabeats and Stress Records, she has carved out a unique space for herself as one of the most exciting artists in the industry right now.
Hey Leena, thanks for speaking to us! Firstly, what led you to pursue a career as a DJ/producer, and how did you first get into the music industry?
I grew up studying classical piano and after I finished school, I started out as a radio DJ in my hometown in Athens, Greece and I was always a bit envious of the DJs and producers that would come on the show. I already loved creating audio jingles and being part of the industry but I took a course at Pointblank music college in 2013 for electronic music composition and producing and that’s when I felt everything clicked. I started DJing and producing for other artists but it wasn’t until the pandemic where I had the time to really apply myself and finish some demos that I was really proud of. One of those demos got signed by AnjunaBeats and that’s how everything started for me.
Your distinct sound blends breakbeat, progressive house, and trance. How did you develop this unique combination of genres?
I honestly think it represents a blend of my influences (which is quite varied) of genres that I enjoyed growing up. From big beat to drum & bass, trance and techno. There was a wave of artists in the mid to late 00s that blended trance with breaks or made ‘euphoric breaks’ like System F, C-Quence, Ferry Corsten, even Armin Van Buuren. For me I love the drama and euphoria of the trance melodies and how they juxtaposed against the breakbeat which is more grounding than a 4/4 beat (if that makes any sense!)
You’ve previously released on major labels such as Anjunabeats and Stress Records, and had your music supported by industry giants like Above & Beyond. How has this recognition shaped your career?
Both labels that you mentioned are iconic and they have been in my dream list forever. Stress in the 90s with Sasha and nowadays I love how they support new talent and really curate new artists and always somehow know what’s going to click among audiences is truly amazing. AnjunaBeats is a staple and has built this incredible loyal community worldwide for decades which is incredible to see when I tour anywhere from Taiwan to San Fransisco – AnjunaBeats fans are everywhere and true supporters.
You’ve also collaborated with a number of respected producers such as fellow Anjuna artist and close friend Amy Wiles. How do collaborations influence your creative process?
Amy is one of my best friends so the process of writing Sweet Feeling last year and this new collaboration we’re currently working on is very smooth and also fun. I have been working on a few new collabs that are set to come in the following few months including two with Darren Tate who is one of the most talented producers and composers hands down and I learned so much on those sessions. I’m also working with Genix who has honestly the sickest sound!
You’ve had an impressive rise in recent years, with features on BBC Radio One, signing to Ultra Music and a busy tour schedule taking you around the world to perform. What do you think has been the key to your success in the electronic music world?
First of all, THANK YOU! I think like most creative fields having an insane love for working, and treating it like an actual job while also persevering is really important. It’s quite a difficult industry and also as a female producer we still have lots of over-proving to do that we actually earned our right to have good releases and being on those great lineups. I’d say the most important skill to have is to keep going, and having a clear vision of where you want to be.
You’ve played major events and festivals like Creamfields, Tomorrowland and Printworks London. Are there any particular gigs or touring moments which stick out for you?
Printworks was super special, it’s probably my favourite venue of all time and the fact that I played there 2 weeks before it closed was incredible. Tomorrowland again was an insane experience. I played b2b with Amy Wiles we didn’t prepare absolutely anything just completely went with the flow and it was incredible. I played Creamfields for the second time this year and played a few of my new IDs and saw so many people reacting to what I spent months working on in the studio which was a major rewarding moment.
Your latest release “Losing Control” on Zerothree Music is an uplifting banger, laced with 90s rave elements. What drew you to this era of music when piecing together the track?
Thank you 🙂 Losing Control draws upon my influences growing up while also playing a bit with the fact that I started just with piano and that’s always an important aspect in my productions. I want to feel that from a songwriting perspective if there was no other instrument than the piano it would still make you groove and feel something. I tried to keep the melodies super rhythmic and constantly moving and evolving.
You’ve previously mentioned being a synth fanatic. What are some of your favourite synths or plugins that have inspired your signature sound?
Synths are definitely a huge weakness for me. The very first time I met Jono from A&B at the AnjunaBeats studio I was distracted by a good 30 seconds by the insane synth racks and slightly embarrassed myself but what can you do? At the moment from hardware I own lots of Behringer that really have improved in the past decade and are an affordable option if you can’t afford a moog.
I own an MS-1, model D and a td-3 for acid lines. I also love my roland tr-8 (rhythm sequencer) though I mostly use it for live sessions and an mk mini keyboard when I’m travelling. Of course I’m super reliant on plugins and I’d say it always depends on what I’m writing and my mood but I have and use Serum a lot, Diva, Arturia (dx7 and prophet) – I won’t get into fabfilter etc. If anyone wants to get me a present though my ultimate synth rack would include: a mini-moog, jupiter 8, juno 106, dx7 and a good old Korg m1. But all time favourite is and always will be the juno 106 🙂
Outside of music, what do you like to do for fun or in your downtime?
I’m obsessed with spanish thrillers, nordic noirs and going to galleries, especially when it comes to photography. Fragile Beauty is one of my all time favourites. I have a huge appreciation for visual artists perhaps because I have no idea how they grasp emotion in that way. I just find it incredibly interesting.
Looking ahead, what are some goals you have for your career in the next few years, and how do you plan to evolve as both a DJ and producer?
I want to keep writing and producing as much as possible and collaborating with other writers and singers that I love like Julia Church and Hayla. I’d love to keep touring and hopefully move into more live shows as well in the future.
Finally, what’s your favourite track by another artist, that you wish you’d made?
That’s a very difficult question but I’d say Katania by Th;en and I also love Goom Gum’s remix of Famax.
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